Great article. Has anyone else seen the news that Nadal has resorted to a space-age racket for when he comes back? Perhpas he is worried about his knees and the other top 4.

It seems he is still worried about his knees ... or is he playing mind games or looking for a good get-out should he flop?

[29 Jan] In a new story out of Spain, Rafael Nadal admitted that his troubled knees are still… troubled. Nadal, who withdrew from the Australian Open due to a stomach virus, told IB3 via Marca during an interview today that he’s hoping his “sore” knees will hold up through the 3-event clay swing in South America.

Nadal is still set to go for his trip on Thursday and he’s still practicing in preparation in his home of Manacor. Rafa will make his singles return next Tuesday in Vina Del Mar, Chile, where he’ll also play doubles with good friend Juan Monaco.

Rafael Nadal will return to action in Chile next month armed with a new racket that will be "a nightmare for rivals" .....

..... There has been widespread speculation as to whether Nadal will be able to return to the top of the game, but he is clearly focused on fighting for titles as he has taken the decision to ditch the racket he has used since the age of 12 in favour of a new model.

Babolat manufacture the Spaniard's rackets and they claim it was on the advice of his coach, Toni Nadal, that he made the switch.

"Uncle Toni put pressure on Rafa to change. If you want to be better, you have to take risks," Eric Babolat, the owner of the firm that makes Nadal's rackets, told DPA.

Babolat added that Nadal's quest for more action on the ball prompted the switch. He said:"More top spin, he already has a lot of that but he wants more."